The essays focus on six issues: child care, homelessness, national service, youth employment, the treatment of juvenile offenders, and elementary and secondary education. Each essay examines the scope of the problem, summarizes major executive and legislative developments, analyzes Federal funding, and discusses the solutions advocated as Bush begins his presidency. In addition to publishing these essays, the Youth Policy Institute has created a computer database, conducted forums, and issued publications. The work of this nonpartisan organization rests on the view that all individuals in a democratic society should be decently housed, decently fed, and decently educated and should be able to take part in making the policies that affect them.